Button became romantically involved with former Playboy Playmate Ward several months after his marriage to model Jessica Michibata ended in late 2015.

He and the Japanese-Argentine model, who had tied the knot in December 2014, hit headlines several months before their split when they were burgled in their sleep while on holiday in the south of France.

The 2009 Formula One world champion, 38, has been competing in Japan since he retired from grand prix racing two years ago, and will take part in the famous endurance Le Mans 24 Hours race this weekend.